Why Every Man Needs A Dive Watch, Even If He Never Dives

Dive watches have a reputation for being the sturdiest, most impressive, and most classic of watch types. But how did they gain that reputation? After all, it’s not as if everyone who swears by them is strapping on a tank and exploring the ocean. It’s likely that the vast majority of men owning a dive watch will never use it for its strictly designed purpose. But there’s an interesting aside here: it doesn’t matter. Dive watches aren’t just for divers. They’re for any man who wants a solid, reliable, stylish timepiece that can withstand anything, that can show off their personality, and that boasts the hallmark classics of a watch designed to last decades.

So, putting it simply, the reputation has grown because dive watches are built to last, with classic designs that are known to pair well with just about any outfit and still look great (no wetsuit or flippers required, thankfully). 

Moreover, they’re functional, and durable, and they carry a rugged appeal that can help any man look good. They’re the kind of watch we might expect James Bond to wear, but if you enjoy them too, you won’t look like a James Bond wannabe – which isn’t something you can say for all accessories.

On top of that, there’s something pretty cool about a watch that can survive 1,000 feet underwater, even if all it’s doing is sitting on your wrist during a day at the office. We’ve gone over a few necessities 

Dive Watches Are Distinct Enough To Be Stylish

What’s great about a dive watch is that it manages to stand out without being over-the-top or gaudy to the point where you feel a little apprehensive wearing it. In general, the designs are classic here, bold, but not in-your-face. They also have those clean, easy-to-read dials, generally have sturdy bezels, and just the right amount of detail to be noticeable but not to the point where they look distracting.

This means you could easily throw one on with a casual outfit, and it’ll add a little something extra but without ruining the symmetry of how you’re trying to look. A dive watch also works well with more formal wear, and those in formal environments who understand watches will generally appreciate the choice or even compliment you on the model. For guys who don’t want to make a thousand fashion decisions each day but still impress, a dive watch can be a good idea.

Dive Watches Are Comfortable To Wear

After going over how durable and robust watches are you may get the impression that they’re like bricks on your wrist. The truth is if they’re sized and worn correctly, they can become a natural part of your wrist and you may even forget you’re wearing it. Remember, these watches are designed to be worn underwater in intense circumstances, if they chafe or feel uncomfortable on your arm, that’s hardly going to inspire repeat wearing.

Moreover, many have adjustable straps (whether metal, rubber, or fabric), and the weight is balanced enough that you can wear them all day without feeling like you’re lugging around a frustrating accessory just to look good. Better yet, the tactile feel is much more authentic than a digital smartwatch too, which is of course perfect for watch repairmen who may help you keep your watch in great condition over the decades.

Dive Watches Can Be A Great Investment

If you’re going to drop some money on a timepiece, you want it to be worth it. A great dive watch is generally a timeless style that appeals to men no matter the generation, which means they hold their value or even appreciate over time. Some models, such as the iconic Rolex Submariner, is known to be an incredible investment if you can get your hands on one.

Of course, that’s not to say you’ll buy watches with the strict intention of making money on them. Yet if you’re going to invest in something that you’ll use every day and maybe even pass down to your children, a well-made dive watch isn’t a silly financial decision. If you come to sell, you may find that almost all or even more of the value is returned.

Dive Watches Can (Almost) Survive Anything

Outside of deliberate damage and long falls, it’s important to remember that the water pressure of a diver’s watch is pretty intense. Most dive watches are water-resistant to impressive depths (usually 200 meters or more), and they’re shock-resistant too. This means they’re a practical watch for daily use, so it doesn’t really matter if you’re getting caught in the rain, banging your wrist against a desk, or actually hitting the pool, your dive watch will likely come out unscathed and you won’t have to treat it like a dainty accessory that you should only wear in formal settings. 

As we mentioned above, dive watches are a favorite for repair experts to work from, because they’re robust, take replacement parts well, and can be cleaned carefully. This means even if you do suffer harsh damage, there’s a large chance the watch can be restored to its default look.

Dive Watches Can Be An Impressive Life Milestone Or Gift

There’s a reason why watches are often given as gifts for major life events. They might be given as a result of a promotion, as a man celebrates his fiftieth birthday, or perhaps as a treat given to himself to celebrate a personal milestone.

In other words, these watches are points of pride. They symbolize so much, and this can be even more true when passed down from generation to generation, as these tokens can often become family heirlooms with real historical value and worth. You may even be lucky enough for a particular line to be discontinued, making your own model even more valuable.

With this advice, we hope you can see how every man needs a dive watch, even if he never dives. Better yet, you don’t have to make friends with any jellyfish or octopus to wear one.